August 25th was the day: the Leipzig SPARCS team invited guests to the LWB’s neighbourhood centre for the last time, right in the heart of the Dunckerviertel model district. After five years of intensive work and numerous implemented measures, it was time to say goodbye – with a proper celebration!

Together with the fantastic partners from seecon, LWB, WSL, Leipziger Stadtwerke, Cenero ENERGY GmbH and Leipzig University, the Digital City Unit celebrated the completion of the project. And what a party it was! Around 100 visitors from the neighbourhood came along to say goodbye to this special project. The atmosphere was cheerful and relaxed – a perfect setting to reflect on the last five years.

Inside, in the LWB’s neighbourhood centre, residents were able to gain an overview of the numerous measures implemented in the project in the digital and analogue exhibition. The energy game, in which everyone could slip into the role of a digital energy manager and optimise the supply and demand of a house with a solar system was particularly popular. This was a fun way of communicating the importance of flexibility in the energy transition.

Outside, our partners provided plenty to talk about with their information stands. Whether municipal utilities, the consumer advice centre, Leipzig University, WSL or Cenero – they were all on hand to answer visitors’ questions. Of course, there was also plenty of food and drink on offer: There were delicious sandwiches and cakes, lovingly prepared by the hard-working volunteers from the neighbourhood centre, refreshing ice cream from ‘Eisdealerin’ and the finest coffee from ‘Coffeebike’.

Another highlight was the opportunity to make your own ‘ecosystem in a jar’ at the VDI GaraGe stand. The mason jar filled with a plant, moss and special substrate is not only pretty to look at, but also provides a vivid illustration of how an ecosystem works. The little ones were also catered for with a wide range of games and face painting.

All in all, the festival was a complete success and a worthy conclusion to the SPARCS project. We would like to thank everyone who has accompanied and supported us over the past five years. Even though the project is now officially over, the measures and ideas implemented in Leipzig will continue to have an impact for a long time to come and will be continued in follow-up projects. Goodbye, SPARCS – and many thanks to everyone involved!